Description and characteristics of the Oryol horse breed, features of the content
For the Oryol horse breed, certain features are characteristic. It has long been considered a real symbol of Russia. The breed has a rich history and excellent characteristics. Horses are distinguished by their beautiful appearance and endurance. Their characteristic feature is the unique, agile lynx. That is why many horse breeders are engaged in breeding these animals.
History of appearance
The name of the breed is associated with the name of Count Orlov. He began breeding and developing these horses. In 1776, the count traveled across Asia and brought back unique Arabian horses from his trip. At that time, there were already Danish horses in his collection. By crossing these specimens, it was possible to obtain a breed with excellent speed indicators. Thanks to this, the horse was called the Oryol trotter.
Description of the breed
This breed has a number of unique characteristics. It is thanks to their presence that horses have become widespread throughout the world.
Exterior and suits
The Oryol old-type trotter is a tall horse. Adult animals reach 160-165 centimeters at the withers. The old lines of the breed suggest the presence of a massive body, which is characterized by a draft shape. The key features of the breed include the following:
- A large head with an elongated face and a typical Arabian profile. Horses have a convex nose and a concave section below the bridge of the nose. These characteristics are considered to be signs of clean lines.
- Expressive eyes.
- Long neck with a nice curve and a developed crest.
- Movable ears.
- High limbs with well-developed joints and large hooves.
- Thick and long mane, bushy tail. The mane drops below the neck. Small brushes are also possible.
Typical colors of the breed include:
- different shades of gray - light, dark, red-gray, "in apples";
- black;
- bay.
Among the Oryol horses, other color options are also acceptable. So, there are red, brown, salty, roan shades.
The nature and learning ability of the animal
Oryol trotters are distinguished by their lively and docile disposition. Breeding stallions are considered to be playful and temperamental. However, they are excellent learners. Horses obey commands when properly trained. Horses are considered cautious, but they cannot be called shy.
The use of Orlov
Today, Oryol trotters are often used in equestrian sports. They are used in almost all disciplines.This is due to the fact that representatives of this breed are considered energetic, hardy and fast.
Also, animals can be used for dressage and driving. This term is understood as a competition between horse teams. Compliant horses adapt to the conditions of the city. Therefore, they are often used in parks for walking. Some representatives of the breed are used in the work of the mounted police.
Horse advantages and disadvantages
The advantages of this breed include the following:
- beautiful appearance;
- excellent endurance;
- high speed;
- universal purpose;
- undemanding care;
- the ability to adapt to different types of climate;
- calm nature, which makes it possible to use horses to work with children;
- the possibility of using it in hippotherapy.
At the same time, the breed differs in some disadvantages:
- the possibility of stallions entering into sexual intercourse only at the age of five;
- high price.
Maintenance and care of the Orlov trotters
In order for horses to develop normally and not get sick, it is recommended to take into account many features when caring for them.
Stable
A stable is required to keep animals. It should be spacious so that the horses can turn, enter the stall, get out. The stall itself must be made of wood. It is recommended to equip it with a closing wicket. Thanks to this, the horse will not leave the stall on its own.
The minimum size of the stall should be 2x2 meters. However, it is better to provide an area of 3x3 meters. This will give the animal plenty of room to move.
It is permissible to use containers made of boards as feeders. It is recommended to place them near one side of the stall. It is desirable to be able to add feed from the inside or outside of the stall. This will make it easier to clean the feeder at any time. There should be a container for water near the trough. Feeders and drinkers must be well secured so that the animal cannot overturn them.
The flooring must also be wooden. It is recommended to use boards 5 centimeters thick, with a thick OSB board on top. It must have a water-repellent surface. Thanks to this flooring, it will be possible to provide the animal with warmth and comfort. The bedding should be organized from hay or straw.
Orlov horses normally perceive hot weather and cold. However, in the summer, it is recommended to ventilate the stable all the time. For the winter, it is worth placing a potbelly stove inside to provide the animal with additional heating. The room itself is recommended to be sheathed with foam. This will help keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter. In the summer, the animal should be systematically watered with water. This will help eliminate the risk of overheating. It is permissible to make a tank with water on the roof and organize the output to the stall. This will help you shower periodically. In winter, animals need additional light sources. An ordinary incandescent lamp is suitable for this.
Formulation of the diet
It is recommended to feed the horse with hay, bran and oats. It is definitely worth organizing the animal's access to fresh water. It is important to consider that it should drink a lot. This is especially true in the heat. Of vegetables, horses are allowed to give lettuce, beets and carrots. From the fruit, the pet should be fed with apples.
Hygiene and horse care
The Oryol trotter is recommended to systematically comb the wool. For this it is worth using special brushes. This procedure brings positive emotions to the animal and makes it beautiful and healthy. It is recommended to comb out horses especially carefully during the molting period. Thanks to this, this physiological process will proceed more easily.
An examination of the teeth is recommended at least 2 times a year. With age, the frequency increases up to 3-4 times.Systematic visits to equestrian dentists will help maintain oral health.
Grazing
Horses need fresh grass regularly. Therefore, in the warm season, it is recommended to systematically send a horse to graze.
Horseshoe
Horses will certainly have to be shod. Thanks to this, it is possible to avoid the appearance of cracks, chips and other defects on the hooves. Also, this procedure provides protection against mechanical injury while driving. A qualified professional should shoe the hooves. Periodically it is worth looking after the horse's hooves - it is important to systematically trim and grind them.
Training
Horses of this breed quickly understand commands. They can easily be taught to overcome obstacles. Animals make a lot of effort to meet the expectations of the owner. This is especially true if the pet is raised by one person. The horse does not perceive well the commands of unfamiliar people.
The use of punishment or violent teaching methods is prohibited. Animals of this breed are highly sensitive. Such methods can lead to a complete rejection of obedience. It is allowed to stop a horse only with a rope. The use of the whip is prohibited.
Vaccinations and disease prevention
The horse is recommended to be seen by the veterinarian 4-5 times a year. These animals are distinguished by good health. However, it is certainly recommended to vaccinate them. To keep the trotters healthy and avoid dangerous diseases, it is worth following basic hygiene rules. To do this, it is recommended to remove the manure every day and change the litter as it gets dirty. Dry straw helps prevent dermatitis.
It is recommended to clean the trough and drinker weekly. For this it is worth using hot water and soda. It is also recommended to clean the walls and partitions of the stall.
In order to provide help to the animal in time, you should have the following set in the first aid kit:
- camphor alcohol;
- brilliant green;
- alcohol with salt;
- petroleum jelly and fish oil;
- hoof ointment;
- bandages;
- cotton wool;
- turpentine.
About fertility and breeding
This is a late-maturing horse breed. Individuals complete their formation by the age of five. Some animals mature a little earlier. In this case, the four year old trotter may be ready to mate. Despite the late stages of development, horses are characterized by excellent fertility and a long lifespan. Fertility parameters can be different, depending on the characteristics of the content and hereditary factors. On average, 80-90 foals are born per 100 mares. It is possible to get offspring in the following ways:
- natural mating;
- artificial insemination.
Regardless of the method, it is recommended to choose the correct stallion. It should be judged by its exterior, agility and color. Mares are allowed to mate from February to June. Foals stay with their mothers for up to six months. Then they are moved to special rooms.
It is worth starting classes immediately after weaning. By the age of two, the animals are ready for a kind of exam. It involves participating in the race at the racetrack.
The cost
The price of horses of the Oryol breed ranges from 60,000 to 300,000 rubles. The exact cost depends on age, awards, pedigree. It is also influenced by the state of health and exterior features.
Famous Oryol stallions
The most famous representative of the Oryol breed is the Krepysh horse. At the beginning of the last century, he was a real star of the racetracks. Racing fans from all over the world came to see it. The stallion won 50 out of 80 races and made the breed famous.
Another famous trotter is the Kvadrat horse. He gained popularity after the war and was considered one of the most beautiful trotters in the world.At the same time, the horse could not boast of high speed, however, due to persistence and perseverance, it won almost all competitions. Oryol trotters are a popular horse breed that has gained fame throughout the world. To succeed in breeding these animals, they need to provide suitable conditions for keeping.
